HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-26-20 Council Meeting REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND:
THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAS INSPECTED THE MINUTES OF THE
May 26, 2020
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT.
THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED:
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APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: June K, 2020
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M. JONES CITYC ERK
DAWN ,
REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met virtually in
the Microsoft Teams App on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:03 p.m. The meeting was called to order
by Council President Tim Scott and the Invocation (Pastor Canneth Lee, Kingdom Christian
Cneter Church) was given.
City Clerk Dawn M. Jones announced, Good evening members of the public. For audio quality,
we will be muting everyone not speaking by default to maintain good audio quality for Council
and yourselves. If you would like to speak during the meeting on a specific agenda item, please
submit your request in the chat - directions to do so are in the chat. We ask that you provide your
[FULL NAME] and [ADDRESS], as those are required for all speakers at in-person Council
meetings.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tim Scott 1St District*
Henry Davis Jr. 2nd District*
Sharon L. McBride 3rd District*
Troy Warner 4th District*
Jake Teshka 5th District*
Sheila Niezgodski 6th District*
Rachel Tomas Morgan At-Large*
Lori K. Hamann At-Large*
Karen L. White At-Large*
*= denotes virtual attendance
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dawn M. Jones City Clerk*
Bianca Tirado Chief Deputy Clerk*
Graham Sparks Deputy Clerk*
Rachel E. Coates Clerk's Executive Assistant*
Gabriel N. Murei Ordinance Violations Clerk*
Bob Palmer Council Attorney*
*=denotes virtual attendance
REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion for the minutes of the March 23rd, 2020, April
13th, 2020, April 27th, 2020, and May 11th, 2020 meetings of the South Bend Common Council to
be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride seconded the motion which
carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
Mayor James Mueller, Mayor of the City of South Bend with offices located on the 14th floor of
the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, presented to the Common Council on updates related
to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its effect on the South Bend Community. He addressed the current
statistics of cases, tests and deaths, as well as best practices moving forward. Council Members
had the opportunity to ask questions about the Mayor's report. Informal discussion was had
between Council Members and the Mayor(the full video of the interaction is available in the City
Clerk's Office).
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES
Representing the City Administration: James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
At 7:50 p.m. Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the
Whole. Councilmember Lori K. Hamann seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of
nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride, Chairperson, presiding.
Councilmember Sharon L. McBride explained the procedures to be followed for tonight's meeting
in accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO.
19-20 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE TO
VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PROPERTY: EAST END OF SAINT VINCENT,
EAST OF EDDY STREET, FROM THE
WESTERN BOUNDARIES OF LOTS 6 AND 7 OF
EDDY STREET COMMONS SECTION II, TO
THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE RIGHT-
OF-WAY OF GEORGIANA STREET, SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski, chair of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee,
reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill to the full Council with no recommendation.
Tony Halsey, Kite Realty Group with offices located at 30 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis,
IN, served as a presenter for this bill. Mr. Halsey presented to Council the project's goals and
visions and referenced the site map to this project which is available in the City Clerk's Office.
Council Members had the opportunity to ask clarifying questions of Mr. Halsey, to which Mr.
Halsey was able to reply.
Tim Sexton, 51222 Outer Drive, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter for this bill. Mr. Sexton
spoke to the dialogue had between the University of Notre Dame and the Neighborhood
Organizations within the vicinity of the proposed vacation.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
Lee Ann McGlaughlin, 1120 Georgiana Street, South Bend, IN, spoke to her understanding that
must neighbors she has spoken with want it closed. She inquired about the frequency of the City
vacating used rights-of-way as opposed to vacating a street used by the whole neighborhood. She
is concerned about what the traffic will look like in the future once the development is finished.
Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to send Bill No. 19-20 to the full Council with a
favorable recommendation. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. seconded this motion which carried
by a roll call vote of seven (7) ayes and two (2) nays (Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. and
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann.)
20-20 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE TO
VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PROPERTY: EAST END OF CORBY BLVD.,
WEST OF SOUTH BEND AVE., PORTIONS OF
FORMER EDDY ST. AND SOUTH BEND AVE.
RIGHT-OF-WAYS AND COVERING THE
EXISTING CUL-DE-SAC NORTH OF CORBY
BLVD. AND; SOUTH SIDE OF HOWARD ST
NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH BEND
AVE., A TRIANGULAR PIECE OF RIGHT-OF-
WAY WITHIN THE LIMITS OF OLD SOUTH
BEND AVE., SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski, chair of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee,
reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill to the full Council with a favorable
recommendation.
Tony Halsey, Kite Realty Group with offices located at 30 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis,
IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Halsey presented to Council the project's goals and
visions and referenced the site map to this project which is available in the City Clerk's Office.
Council Members had the opportunity to ask clarifying questions of Mr. Halsey, to which Mr.
Halsey was able to reply.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to send Bill No. 20-20 to the full Council with a
favorable recommendation. Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski. seconded this motion which
carried by a roll call vote of nine(9) ayes.
RISE AND REPORT
Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember
Lori K. Hamann seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine(9) ayes.
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Microsoft
Teams App at 8:15 p.m. Council President Tim Scott presided with nine (9) members virtually
present.
BILLS —THIRD READING
BILL NO.
19-20 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO
VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PROPERTY: EAST END OF SAINT VINCENT,
EAST OF EDDY STREET, FROM THE
WESTERN BOUNDARIES OF LOTS 6 AND 7 OF
EDDY STREET COMMONS SECTION II, TO
THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE RIGHT-
OF-WAY OF GEORGIANA STREET, SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-20. Councilmember Jake
Teshka seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) ayes and two (2) nays
(Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. and Councilmember Lori K. Hamann.)
20-20 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO
VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PROPERTY: EAST END OF CORBY BLVD.,
WEST OF SOUTH BEND AVE., PORTIONS OF
FORMER EDDY ST. AND SOUTH BEND AVE.
RIGHT-OF-WAYS AND COVERING THE
EXISTING CUL-DE-SAC NORTH OF CORBY
BLVD. AND; SOUTH SIDE OF HOWARD ST
NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH BEND
AVE., A TRIANGULAR PIECE OF RIGHT-OF-
WAY WITHIN THE LIMITS OF OLD SOUTH
BEND AVE., SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to adopt Bill No. 20-20. Councilmember Karen
L. White seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
RESOLUTIONS
BILL NO.
20-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND CONFIRMING
CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY
KNOWN AS 316 EAST MONROE STREET,
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A
FIVE (5) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR WSJM-INC
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for these bills. Mr. Buckenmeyer went through a PowerPoint Presentation
which is available in the City Clerk's Office.
Bill Gamble, 6641 Dockside Drive, South Bend, IN, served as the petitioner for these bills. Mr.
Gamble thanked the Council for their consideration and answered a few questions that Council
Members had.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to adopt Bill No. 20-08. Councilmember Troy
Warner seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine(9) ayes.
20-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND CONFIRMING
CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY
KNOWN AS 316 EAST MONROE STREET,
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A
FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR WSJM-INC
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for these bills. Mr. Buckenmeyer went through a PowerPoint Presentation
which is available in the City Clerk's Office.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to adopt Bill No. 20-10. Councilmember Lori
K. Hamann seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
20-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND CONFIRMING
CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY
KNOWN AS 316 EAST MONROE STREET,
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A
FIVE (5) YEAR VACANT BUILDING TAX
ABATEMENT FOR WSJM-INC
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for these bills. Mr. Buckenmeyer went through a PowerPoint Presentation
which is available in the City Clerk's Office.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to adopt Bill No. 20-12. Councilmember Rachel
Tomas Morgan seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine(9) ayes.
20-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND CONFIRMING
CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY
KNOWN AS 1702 ROBINSON STREET, SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA 46613 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A
FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR BAMAR PLASTICS, INC
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14`h floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer went through a PowerPoint Presentation
which is available in the City Clerk's Office.
Heather Meixel, 1702 South Robinson Street, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill.
Ms. Meixel thanked the Council for their consideration and answered a few questions the Council
Members had.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to adopt Bill No. 20-14. Councilmember Lori
K. Hamann seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
20-15 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
CALLING ON GOVERNOR ERIC J. HOLCOMB
TO INITIATE A MORE ROBUST AND
COMPASIONATE PROGRAM FOR THE EARLY
RELEASE OF NON-VIOLENT INCARCERATED
PERSONS MOST VULNERABLE TO THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Councilmember Troy Warner, chair of the Health and Public Safety Committee,reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr., 5117 Idlewood Drive, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter for
this bill. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. read the resolution into the public record. Whereas, the
Governor of Indiana, Eric J. Holcomb,has issued several Executive Orders intended to protect the
citizens of Indiana from the COVID-19 pandemic; and, Whereas, the Indiana Department of
Correction(IDOC)has issued Preparedness and Response plans for the COVID-19 pandemic;and,
Whereas,jails and prisons are designed to maximize control of the incarcerated population instead
of minimizing disease transmission. This fact is compounded by: 1) often crowded, unsanitary
conditions, lack of adequate access to hygiene materials such as soap and water or hand sanitizers;
and 2) poor nutrition, and failure to adhere to recognized standards for disease prevention, all of
which have disastrous public health effects;and,Whereas,the frequent transfer of individuals from
one(1)jail facility to another,and intake of newly detained individuals from the community further
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
complicate the prevention and detection of infectious disease outbreaks. A timely response to
reported and observed symptoms is needed to interrupt viral transmission, yet delays in testing,
diagnosis, and access to care are dangerous in jails and prisons; and, Whereas, statistics released
by IDOC already reveal at least two hundred and seventy-eight (278) staff members and six
hundred and five(605)incarcerated persons testing positive for COVID-19 with two(2)confirmed
or presumed deaths for staff members and sixteen (16) confirmed or presumed deaths of
incarceratedersons from COVID-19; and Whereas, these numbers continue to increase and are
p
likely understated due to the limited number of diagnostic tests performed on this population; and,
Whereas, health systems and other resources are already severely taxed by the daily exponential
increase in COVID-19 cases; and, Whereas, intensive care unit (ICU) bed space is reaching
capacity. Rapid, disastrous outbreaks in Indiana jails and prisons will put further strain on the
already saturated healthcare system as infected individuals are transferred for treatment to local
hospitals, thereby exacerbating issues of containment of the virus and put more members of our
community at risk; and, Whereas, incarcerated persons are one (1) of society's most medically
neglected and vulnerable populations; and, Whereas, within this population are even more
vulnerable persons including those who are sixty-five (65) and older and those with underlying
health conditions; and, Whereas the World Health Organization states that "The rights of all
affected people must be upheld, and all public health measures must be carried out without
discrimination of any kind. People in prisons and other places of detention are not only likely to
be more vulnerable to infection with COVID-19, they are also especially vulnerable to human
rights violations..." It is the State's responsibility to protect incarcerated people; and, Whereas, all
people under the control of the State are entitled to the protection of the State.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. continued, Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the Common
Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section One(I) Governor Eric J. Holcomb
is called upon to initiate a more robust and compassionate plan, similar to plans initiated by the
Federal government and the governments of several other states. Section Two(II)This plan should
include, at a minimum,the following points: 1) Provide diagnostic testing and medical care for all
COVID-19 related illnesses, free of charge,to all incarcerated persons together with those released
under this plan. 2) Work with judges for the immediate release of as many people as possible from
the Indiana State Prison system — in particular those sixty-five plus (65+), those with underlying
health conditions, those due to be released within the next twelve to fifteen (12-15) months, and
those who are low level nonviolent offenders. 3) Assign signature bonds to everyone currently
held on bail or pretrial detention. 4) Guarantee conditions of release with the least restrictions
possible, discouraging the use of electronic monitoring. 5) Provide testing for everyone who
traffics in and out of Indiana State Prison including staff and personnel that work at the prisons. 6)
Require the availability of sufficient soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer for incarcerated
individuals without charge. 7) Ensure those released have access to trauma informed community-
based services in order to help stabilize their transition back to society. 8) Conduct a needs
assessment in collaboration with social workers and community organizations to determine what
resources and support may be needed for individuals prior to release. 9) Provide free video and
phone calls to individuals in Indiana Prisons until they are released, in light of in-person visitation
being suspended; and 10) Withhold the transfer of incarcerated individuals from one(1) prison to
another, and from one (1) cell block to another as this would do more to increase the risk of
COVID-19 transmission than curb its spread. Section Three (III) The plan should be initiated
immediately in order to protect not only incarcerated persons and staffs at prisons and jails, but
also the community at large which will inevitably be adversely affected by the continuing spread
of the disease within prisons and jails.
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann, 2658 Tomahawk Trail, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter
for this bill. Councilmember Lori K. Hamann urged the Council to consider the populations most
effected by COVID, specifically the individuals referenced in the above Ordinance.
Council Members had the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and there was brief
dialogue had between Council Members.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. requested a letter of support be read into the public record.
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
Graham D. Sparks, Deputy City Clerk of the City of South Bend with offices located on the 4th
floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, read: To whom it may concern: The Covid-19
pandemic has taken a lot of lives in the span of one(1)month. The pandemic has affected everyone
in the State of Indiana, the old the young, the rich the poor, the free and those behind prison walls.
Covid-19 has already killed both inmates and custodial staff in many prisons in Indiana. Prisoners
do not have the ability to be separated from the sick, nor to "social distance" themselves. As City
County Councilor, District 13, I am writing to express my concern with the risk of Covid-19 that
the prisoners of Indiana face and to try to be a voice for the criminally convicted. In order to
survive the Novel Corona Virus, life as we know it must change. I support any and all efforts to
protect prisoners from the exposure of the virus. Sincerely signed, Keith Graves, City-County
Councilor, District Thirteen(13).
Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to adopt Bill No. 20-15. Councilmember Lori K.
Hamann seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay
(Councilmember Jake Teshka.)
BILLS ON FIRST READING
BILL NO.
12-20 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUJNCIL OF THE CTTY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ADDING ARTICLE
1, DIVISION 2, SECTIONS 2-12.2.1 TO AND
INCLUJDING 2-12.2.9 OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE
SOUTH BEND MUJNICIPAL CODE TO
CREATE A CITIZENS' POLICE COMPLAINT
BOARD AND PROCEDiJRES GOVERNING
THE BOARD
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.made a motion to send Bill No. 12-20 to the Community Relations
Committee for their June 8th, 2020 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing.
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine(9)
ayes.
21-20 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING ORDINANCE
NOS. 10472-16 AND 10682-19 AS TO THE
ANNUAL PAY AND RESIDENCY INCENTIVE
PAY OF SWORN MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH
BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR
CALENDAR YEAR 2020
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann made a motion to send Bill No. 12-20 to the Personnel and
Finance Committee for their June 8`h, 2020 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing.
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of
nine(9) ayes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
MOTION TO SET HEARING DATE FOR APPEAL OF A DENIAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS, COA#20191007A, BEN AND CARRIE MODLIN VS. HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to have the hearing for COA#20191007A,Ben
and Carrie Modlin vs. Historic Preservation Commission take place in the June 8th, 2020 meeting
of the South Bend Common Council.Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan seconded this motion
which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. spoke to his dissatisfaction with how the City handled the
homelessness encampment issue earlier in the day and encouraged the City to explore different,
less combative ways of handling situations such as these in the future.
NEW BUSINESS
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE #01-2020- SBCC ADDRESSING ELECTRONIC
MEETING ATTENDANCE
Council President Tim Scott summarized the key points of proposed Standard Operating Procedure
#01-2020. There was brief dialogue among Council Members as well as questions that were
answered by Council President Tim Scott and Council Attorney Bob Palmer.
Councilmember Sharon L. McBride made a motion to adopt Standard Operating Procedure #01-
2020. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan seconded this motion which carried by a roll call
vote of nine(9) ayes.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Araquel Bloss,2513 Erskine Boulevard, South Bend, IN, spoke to the events that transpired earlier
in the day with regard to Tent City and the homeless population of the City of South Bend. She
revealed that she is a Level Three (3) Health Inspector and she believes the actions taken by the
City earlier in the day demonstrated a lack of leadership in the City. She then spoke to her specific
interface with the City and expressed her dissatisfaction with the City's ability to work with her
and the homeless population as well as going against local Health Department and CDC
recommendations.
Ronda Hughes, 1029 Riverside Drive, South Bend, IN, thanked the Council for inviting Mayor
Mueller to provide an update on where the City is on homelessness. She also applauded the Mayor
for not kicking the can down the road and trying to do something about the issue. She mentioned
that there are key recommendations made by the Homelessness Working Group that are yet to be
exercised. She mentioned there is much urgency to address the housing issue of South Bend and
advocated for the housing-first (1st) model to address this issue. She also advocated for
Homelessness Coordinator.
Sarah Knowlton, 501 East Woodside Street, South Bend, IN, stated that the CDC as announced
that clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break
connections with the service communities. It also increases the chance for infectious disease to
spread. She asked why the Mayor's actions went against the CDC's recommendation. Ms.
Knowlton submitted a hyperlink to the public record: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/community/homeless-shelters/unsheltered-
homelessness.html?CDC AA refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F201
9-ncov%2Fneed-extra-precautions%2Funsheltered-homelessness.html
Kelly Pickell, 17880 Tanager Lane, South Bend, IN, stated that he is a Client Success Manager for
a company that helps maintain homeless manager systems. He spoke to the situation of Tent City
and expressed his dissatisfaction with how the City responded to the situation.
Rebecca Royce, 4991 North 475 East, Leesburg, IN, expressed her confusion with an article
published in the South Bend Tribune stating the Mayor would not break up Tent City, yet did
anyway. She is disappointed with the way the City has handled the homeless population.
Jesse Davis, P.O. Box 10205, South Bend, IN, gave his remarks to his experience being at the
situation that unfolded with the homeless population and Tent City.
Kerry Clear,3208 South Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, IN, shared his experience of witnessing
the situation that unfolded with the homeless population and Tent City. He encouraged the Council
to stop kicking the can down the road on this issue as well as to communicate better with the
service providers in the area.
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REGULAR MEETING May 26, 2020
Anne Mannix, 724 West Washington Street, South Bend, IN, encouraged there be services that
accompany the solution to the problem.
Shana Davis, 2211 Oakwood Park, South Bend, IN, inquired about the three (3) individuals that
were arrested at the encampment earlier in the day that are being held without bail. She asked
where they are in the process and why they are being held without bail. Her friend, Meg Edlond,
was not able to provide verbal remarks but wished to provide Ms. Edlond's statement on her
behalf: My friend was one of those arrested at the houseless camp. She is being held without bail
during a pandemic.You all voted on asking to release prisoners due to the risk of covid,we should
all be outraged that they are not being let out. They did nothing wrong. Where were they supposed
to go?
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council President Tim Scott adjourned the
meeting at 9:44 p.m.
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